'Young Wallander': Meet Adam Pålsson, Richard Dillane and rest of the cast of Netflix's detective series

'Young Wallander' focuses on the formative experiences — professional and personal — faced by Kurt as a recently graduated police officer in his early twenties
(Netflix)
(Netflix)

Netflix is bringing a modern-day take on the legendary Nordic noir story of detective Kurt Wallander.

'Young Wallander' is set to be a "young, edgy and modern series" that sees Henning Mankell's iconic detective Wallander investigating his gripping first case. Mankell, who is often referred to as "the father of Nordic noir", writes the intense story of a detective who has a high sense of empathy. These stories provide inspiration for the new Netflix series. Ole Endresen and Jens Jonsson are directing from a script written by Anoo Bhagavan and Benjamin Harris. 

'Young Wallander' focuses on the formative experiences — professional and personal — faced by Kurt as a recently graduated police officer in his early twenties. As he is confronted with the violence and brutality in Ystad, he must figure out how to be a good detective. 

The six-part series is set to premiere on Netflix on September 3, 2020. But before that, meet the cast. 

Adam Pålsson as Kurt Wallander

(Netflix)

Pålsson is set to play the role of a young Kurt Wallander, just out of the police academy and fresh on the field. He is thrust into the wilderness rather suddenly and finds himself grappling.

The actor has written and performed his own version of Hamlet, inspired by William Shakespeare and Heiner Müller, at Stockholms Stadsteater in 2010, a performance for which he is well known. But he is perhaps best known for his role in Jonas Gardell's 'Don't Ever Wipe Tears Without Gloves'; for 'Ted: För kärlekens skull', a 2018 biopic about the Swedish singer/songwriter Ted Gärdestad; and for a major role in the third series of 'The Bridge'. Pålsson used to be the lead singer in an indie rock group ÅR&DAR.

Richard Dillane as Superintendent Hemberg

Dillane in 'Foyle's War' (IMDb)

Playing the role of Superintendent Hemberg, Dillane gives Wallander his first ever case as a detective moving him to major crimes. The actor is best known for his work in the political thriller 'Argo' and 'Oranges and Sunshine'. He played Wernher von Braun in the BBC television docudrama 'Space Race'. His recent television work includes 'Giri/Haji', 'The Last Kingdom', 'Peaky Blinders', 'Counterpart', 'Outlander' and 'The Last Post'. 

Leanne Best as Frida Rask

Actress Leanne Best attends a preview screening of 'Film Stars Don't Die In Liverpool' at FACT on November 13, 2017, in Liverpool, England (Getty Images)

Best plays the role of Rask, Kurt's senior in the police force and an investigator on the same case as his. The actress is best known for her role as Jane Cobden in 'Ripper Street', Celia Donnelly in 'Fortitude' and the titular role in 'The Woman in Black 2: Angel of Death'. She also appeared in the sequel 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens'. More recently, the actress appeared in ITV's comedy 'Cold Feet' as Tina Reynolds.

Ellise Chappell as Mona

Ellise Chappell attends the Vanity Fair EE Rising Star BAFTAs Pre Party at The Standard on January 22, 2020, in London, England (Getty Images)

Chappell is set to play the role of Mona, Wallander's love interest. If you've read the books or watched the other Wallander shows or movies, they get married later on. It will be interesting to watch them in that pursuit though. The actress is best known for her work as Morwenna Chynoweth in 'Poldark' and as Jennifer Strange in 'The Last Dragonslayer'.  



 

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

A dangerous former client targets top divorce attorney Allura Grant with a series of escalating attacks before holding her hostage at gunpoint
2026-11-05T08:27:49.000Z
Joe Miñoso left 'Chicago Fire' in the procedural's momentous 300th episode
2026-11-05T07:53:12.000Z
‘Chicago Fire’ honors a fan favorite character in its 300th episode
2026-11-05T05:51:40.000Z
‘Chicago Med’ focuses on Dr Wu’s pursuit of the Chief Resident position in its latest episode
2026-11-05T04:50:53.000Z
Tomlin risks Cruz’s job to convince Severide in the latest episode of ‘Chicago Fire’
2026-11-05T03:47:56.000Z
The untitled Hulu series follows Leavitt and her family as she handles new fame and career ambitions
2026-11-05T03:29:58.000Z
The ‘All’s Fair’ cast return for a second season of divorce cases and personal drama. Here’s when new episodes arrive, where to watch and what to know about before the finale.
2026-11-04T16:46:27.000Z
'Batman: Knightfall Part 2' unveils a first-look clip as Azrael takes up the cowl after Bruce Wayne is left paralyzed by Bane.
2026-11-04T16:27:06.000Z
Owen Wilson returns to the green in ‘Stick’ Season 2. Here’s your guide to Apple TV’s weekly episode rollout, streaming details and finale date.
2026-11-04T15:48:30.000Z
'Trinity,' starring Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Richard Madden, follows a naval officer who suspects the US Secretary of Defense is at center of a conspiracy.
2026-11-04T15:21:56.000Z